Give Howie Roseman and Co. some credit. Even though the Eagles whiffed with their Summer of 2011 free-agent binge, they didn't financially cripple themselves for the future.

The Eagles are set to enter free agency a healthy $29 million under the $123 million salary cap. They could reach $40 million if they release underachieving cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha as expected.

Asomugha is slated to make $15 million this season, with $4 million of that guaranteed.

If Asomugha were released or traded before free-agent signings can become official on Tuesday, the Eagles would be one of just four teams with more than $40 million to spend this offseason. The Browns, Bengals and Colts are also believed to be in prime position to make a splash in free agency.

It is not, however, a star-studded free agent class. There are no Jon Runyan, Terrell Owens or Jevon Kearse's in their prime in this year's group. There is however a strong and deep group of safeties, cornerbacks and offensive linemen, three spots where the Eagles could use help.

It's likely that the organization will revert to its pre-2011 philosophy of adding one or two significant names each offseason. The Eagles brass has stressed continuity and creating a culture of winning from the ground up with their own guys this offseason. They've admitted the the '11 shopping spree was a mistake. They're not about to go crazy when the gates to free agency open on Saturday.

It doesn't mean free agency can't help fix some problems. With the financial flexibility at their disposal the Eagles can locate their intended targets and strike quickly. They can even overpay, if necessary, to land a specific player they think will fit their new program.

And thanks to some shrewd contract negotiating over the past couple years, they're unlikely to be restricted at any point this offseason by the salary cap.